Job experienced tremendous loss at the hand of Satan and by the permission and design of Yahweh. His expression of praise confirmed his blameless character and presiding fear of God.

The accuser maligned God by claiming that the Lord operated just like Satan: bribing humans with favors to secure their devotion. But God is to be feared for Himself and not for anything He might provide His people.

The blameless character and wealthy situation of Job inform the trials he was to experience.

Deacons serve as assistants under the authority of the pastors for the benefit of the congregation.

Local churches need pastors—men who qualify for this position of service and responsibility before the Lord and who adhere to His message and methods of ministry specified in His Word.

Christians must give an account to the Lord for how they have lived, they have a stewardship to fulfill for eternal rewards, and they exist to praise Him.

Our Lord directs us to carefully examine men who would serve as pastors. What Christians should be, pastors must be.

The pastors must care for, feed, lead, and protect the local church. This Spirit-given task requires constant vigilance for themselves and for the believers entrusted to their care.

Our Lord Jesus has established shared pastoral eldership for the feeding and care of His church.

While our Lord Jesus resides in heaven, He is also present with and in His body the church. His Word and His Spirit enliven and empower His people to demonstrate His authority in this age.